Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your breakfast game or impress brunch guests with something a little extra special, you’re going to love this Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. I absolutely love how fluffy and tender these pancakes turn out, with that signature red velvet flavor shining through every bite—and that cream cheese glaze? It’s the perfect creamy, tangy finish that takes this from ordinary to showstopper. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close—it’s become a weekend morning favorite around here!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to get that classic red velvet flavor and fluffy pancake texture. When you shop for buttermilk, I recommend picking up the freshest you can find or making your own with milk and vinegar if needed.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our pancakes; gives the right texture and structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness without overpowering the cocoa flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened is best for that authentic, mild chocolate hint.
• Baking powder: This helps the pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
• Sea salt: It balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; you can use up to 2.5 cups for thinner pancakes.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps pancakes moist without a strong flavor; plus extra for cooking.
• Eggs: For richness and binding the batter.
• Liquid red food coloring: Essential for that vibrant red—the lighter the color, the better it cooks through.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the batter.
• Cream cheese: For the glaze—soft and creamy is key here.
• Milk: Mixes into the glaze to get the perfect pouring consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the glaze.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes, and this Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is super forgiving for personalization. Whether you want a lighter version, a vegan twist, or some fun toppings—there’s room to play!

• Buttermilk Swap: I’ve swapped buttermilk for almond or oat milk plus a splash of lemon juice when lactose intolerance hits—it’s still delicious.
• Vegan Variation: Use flax eggs and coconut yogurt for the wet ingredients and substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese in the glaze.
• Extra Chocolate: Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips into the batter for that extra melty chocolate surprise.
• Festive Touch: On Valentine’s Day, I sprinkle chopped pecans on top and garnish with fresh strawberries for color and crunch.

How to Make Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Make sure it’s mixed well so everything is evenly distributed—this ensures every pancake gets those little bursts of cocoa and the fluffy lift from the baking powder.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk it well until the color is a bright, light red and there aren’t any streaks left—it should never look pink or washed out.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here—some small lumps are totally okay. Overworking the batter can make the pancakes tough, and that’s the last thing you want!

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or spray to prevent sticking. Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake. Wait patiently as the bubbles start to form on top—usually about 2 minutes—then flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Cook in batches until all pancakes are done, keeping them warm in a low oven if needed.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the pancakes are cooking, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it with milk and vanilla extract for 30-45 seconds. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or heat in short bursts until it reaches a flowing consistency. This glaze is luscious when drizzled warm over the pancakes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Stack your warm red velvet pancakes on a plate, drape that creamy cream cheese glaze on top, and enjoy every bite. I can’t recommend this enough for cozy mornings or special occasions.

How to Serve Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple by adding fresh berries—strawberries and raspberries pair beautifully and add a nice burst of freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, which my family absolutely loves. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it extra pretty without adding too much sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast, or a fresh fruit salad if you want to stay light and vibrant. I’ve even paired these pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream when I’m feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve stacked the pancakes tall and drizzled ribbons of cream cheese glaze down the sides, then topped the tower with edible rose petals and a few chocolate shavings. It makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch! You can also create mini pancakes and make a “red velvet pancake stack bite” platter for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool any leftover pancakes completely before storing. Put them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate—they keep well for up to 2 days. The glaze is best made fresh, but you can store it separately in the fridge for a day or two as well.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully! Just layer parchment between them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want pancakes for breakfast, pull them out the night before to thaw or pop them straight into the toaster or microwave on low.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the toaster oven or a hot skillet to keep the outside crispy and avoid sogginess. The microwave works in a pinch but can make them a little chewy. Warm the cream cheese glaze separately and drizzle over the pancakes right before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is one I adore—not just for how beautiful and tasty it is, but for how it turns a simple breakfast into a celebration. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a birthday surprise, or just a way to brighten an ordinary morning, these pancakes bring smiles to the table. I hope you’ll try making them soon and discover the joy of those fluffy, red-hued pancakes kissed with creamy glaze. If you do, come back and tell me how your family loved it—I just know they will!

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